It’s not often that you can move into a home and be happy with every element that you have inherited from the previous owners. For most, it’s a process of having to look at the ‘bones’ of a building, and decide what can change and take it from there.
If the flooring is one of the elements of your home that you long to replace, then you are not alone. Many people are living with tatty, outdated flooring that is reminiscent of the 70’s or just plain unsalvageable. A new floor can have a significant impact not only on the value of your home but also on how you and your family can live in it.
Carpet
Carpet is always an excellent option for the bedrooms in your home. This is because they provide a soft and cushioning surface for little bottoms when children are learning to walk and are comfortable to sit on when playing on the floor. They are also the warmest and cosiest option available and can come in any colour to suit any scheme. Nothing feels better underfoot than a soft carpet and as bedrooms are the place where you are most likely to have bare feet, then this is a great option. Carpets can also help to reduce drafts that may come from the floorboards beneath, and are a relatively inexpensive option from Mayfair Carpets, carpet shops Wolverhampton.
However, there is a downside to carpets. Certainly, many homeowners will be able to tell you that carpets are not suitable for high traffic areas as they trap dirt and grit and can be a nightmare to clean. Stains from spills can become a permanent fixture and Play Doh or blue tac in carpet is every parents’ worst nightmare.
Engineered or Solid Hardwood Flooring
Wood is usually finished with a protective layer which repels stains and spills making it a great choice for children and pets. Wood is durable and can stand the test of time, indeed many period homes are still able to display their original wooden floorboards. The other advantage of hardwood floors is that they work well with any scheme, whether it is modern or traditional, and they are relatively easy to keep clean with a simple vacuum and the occasional mop with a wood cleaner.
However, wood is not without its drawbacks. It is a costly material to use and installation is often a bigger job and requires more manpower than other materials. In addition to this, scuffs and scratches will appear from toys and chairs, not to mention pet nails, and wooden floors can be a noisy option, especially in apartment living.
Vinyl Floors
Vinyl floors offer families many advantages. It is a durable floor that stands up well to heavy foot traffic as well as being comfortable underfoot and works well to reduce noise. It is also a less expensive option and is quick and easy to install and maintain.
On the flip side, vinyl flooring does not cope well with very heavy loads and can sustain damage from sharp objects. Colours can fade over time or with too much exposure to direct sunlight.
